JP7101792B2 - Methods and systems for wireless power transfer - Google Patents

Description

The invention generally relates to the field of wireless power supply, and more specifically to new and useful methods and systems in the field of wireless power supply.

Mutual reference to related applications This application is a US provisional application No. 62 / 640,269 filed on March 8, 2018, and a US provisional application No. 62 / 729,860 filed on September 11, 2018. , Claiming the interests of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 772,052 filed November 27, 2018, and US Provisional Application No. 62 / 772,425 filed November 28, 2018. And each of them is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is in connection with US Patent Application No. 16/001,725, filed June 6, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Typical wireless power supply systems are limited to beamforming configurations and may not provide high performance results. Therefore, in the field of wireless power supply, there is a need to create new and useful methods and systems for wireless power supply.

1A and 1B are schematic views of the method and are examples of elements of the method. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of this system. 2B and 2C are schematic views of an example of a transmitter and a receiver of the system, respectively. FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of this method.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to those preferred embodiments, but is intended to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to manufacture and use the invention. ing.

1. 1. Overview The method for wireless power supply preferably includes step S100 for determining transmitter-receiver proximity (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1A and / or FIG. 3) and step S400 for evaluating transmission parameters. And / or includes step S700 to transmit power based on the transmission plan. A system for wireless power supply preferably includes a plurality of receivers and one or more transmitters (eg, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D). However, the system and / or the method may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable element. The method is preferably performed using the system described above, but may additionally or optionally be performed using any other suitable system.

Determining transmission settings for efficient wireless power transfer using typical methods and systems can be difficult and / or very time consuming. Evaluating a candidate transmission setting can be time consuming (eg, requiring 1-100 ms or more). In addition, the transmission settings typically include a large number of parameters, which can result in a very large search space that makes it impossible to effectively search for it. In addition, elements of the system and surrounding elements may move more frequently, thereby invalidating previous solutions and requiring new searches. In light of these problems, we, etc., globally find solutions that are quickly sought (eg, solutions that result in transmission within the threshold range of limits or optimal results) only after a long search time. We have found that it may be better than the optimal solution.

2. 2. Advantages This method can significantly reduce the time required to determine acceptable and / or desirable transmission settings. First, the method can include performing a local search or a stochastic global search, and can usually find a sufficient solution in a much shorter time than a deterministic global search. Further, the method can include performing a multi-objective search based solely on the objective function of a subset of receivers (eg, a group of receivers such as a pair of receivers), which typically includes its. All such receivers, especially based on the objective function of a large number of receivers (more than a threshold number of receivers, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 5-10, 10-30, over 30). A sufficient solution can be found in a much shorter time than a multi-purpose search (for example, adopting multiple optimum settings for various receiver groups to achieve sufficient power supply to many receivers. Can be done). This reduction in search time often results in very good energy transmission (eg, in systems where the orientation of the elements changes).

Second, the evaluation of the transmission settings (eg during local search and / or global search) configures the transmitter according to the settings and uses the settings to measure the transmission results (eg at the receiver). And / or due to the need to communicate the results between various entities (eg, send the results from the receiver to the transmitter), it can be time consuming. To reduce such time consumption, the method is currently under consideration, optionally, for evaluation (eg, results) and / or related information (eg, optimization search is currently being performed). May include estimating and / or caching) one or more receivers and any other suitable receiver in the system, such as other receivers that have a wireless communication link to the transmitter. It can, which allows fast search for estimated and / or cached values instead of full evaluation.

Third, by adopting transmission optimization techniques (eg, real-time optimization techniques such as transmission parameter optimization based on measurement results associated with parameters), potential changes in the environment and / or system configuration can be achieved. Nevertheless, it is possible to excite and / or maintain supergain operation at the receiver and / or transmitter antenna. In addition, the use of pure tone (and / or substantially pure tone) signals for transmission is typically associated with such antennas (eg, the high energy normally produced in and / or around such antennas). Despite the narrow bandwidth (eg, fractional impedance bandwidth) resulting from the evanescent field, it is possible to enable the use of such supergain antennas. Supergain antennas can exhibit much higher gains than typical antennas, which allows, for example, to increase power transmission rates and / or reduce the size of receivers and / or transmitters. However, the methods and systems may, in addition or alternative, provide any other suitable advantage.

3. 3. System One or more transmitters in a system preferably include one or more transmitting elements such as transmitting antennas (eg, elements configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation such as RF and / or microwave power). .. Antennas and / or other transmitting elements are narrowband elements (eg, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 500, 30-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or 1000). Q value larger than threshold such as super), wideband element (eg 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 1-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-50, 50 It has a Q value less than a threshold, such as -100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or less than one), and / or any other suitable bandwidth. The transmit element may optionally include one or more frequency adaptive elements (eg, configured to control the transmit and / or resonant frequency of the transmit element). In some embodiments, the transmitting element is in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 with the title of the invention "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery" filed June 6, 2018 (eg,). Includes one or more elements as described (with respect to the transmitting elements of the system), but this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The transmitting element preferably includes a plurality of controllable (eg, adaptive) transmitting elements (eg, loops, monopoles, dipoles, etc.), such as phase and / or amplitude controllable elements. For example, the transmitting element defines one or more controllable (eg, adaptive) antenna arrays (eg, linear arrays, planar arrays, three-dimensional arrays, etc .; phased arrays, electronically controllable arrays, etc.). can do.

The transmitting element preferably comprises a plurality of active elements (eg, elements such as antennas configured to be actively driven by a feed), and more preferably an independently controllable active antenna (eg, an independently controllable active antenna). Each active antenna can be controlled independently and individually from all other active antennas in the system; groups of active antennas can be controlled together and each group can be controlled independently of all other groups. And can be controlled, etc.). In the first aspect, the amplitude and / or phase in which each active antenna is driven can be controlled independently (eg, via a separate IQ modulator or phase shifter for each active antenna). In the second aspect, the active antenna is divided into one or more antenna groups, and the antennas in the group are controlled together (eg, via a single IQ modulator or phase shifter in each group). For example, the antennas of a group can have a fixed phase offset with respect to each other (eg, zero offset such that all antennas of the group have the same phase with each other; non-zero offset, etc.) (eg, fixed). The phase offset is defined by the difference in trace length between the IQ modulator or phase shifter and each antenna). However, the active antenna can be additionally or optionally configured by any other suitable method.

Transmitting elements are additionally or alternatively coupled electrically and / or resonantly with one or more passive antennas (eg, one or more of the active antennas, thereby altering the transmission characteristics of the transmitter. Can be configured to: In one example, the system has one or more electrical components of one or more passive antennas (eg, passive components such as resistors, capacitors and / or inductors; one or more active antennas and / or other passive antennas, etc. Electrical coupling to (eg, connection, resonant coupling, etc.) and / or separation (eg, via a switch such as a software controlled switch; elements with variable electrical properties such as variable capacitors, etc.) It is configured to control (via). In the first example, multiple passive antennas can be electrically connected and / or disconnected from each other (eg, via a switch that can operate to electrically connect two or more such antennas). .. In the second example, a variable capacitor (eg, varactor) and / or other variable (eg, continuously variable) element is electrically coupled (eg, electrically connected) to one or more passive antennas, which Allows control of the passive antenna load and / or their coupling to other antennas in the array (eg, other passive antennas, active antennas, etc.) and / or their feeding (eg, coupling to an antenna). Changing the properties of one or more of the variable elements made can function to control the net pattern of the array). In a particular example of this second example, the adaptive antenna array comprises a single active antenna and multiple passive antennas, one or more of the passive antennas being electrically coupled to one or more variable components. Will be done.

Although referred to herein as antennas (eg, active antennas, passive antennas, etc.), those skilled in the art will appreciate that the transmitting element is, in addition or alternative, any other suitable type of transmitting element (eg, active). You will recognize that it can include transmit elements, passive transmit elements, etc.). Although referred to herein as an antenna array, one of ordinary skill in the art would have the transmitting element an additional or alternative array of any other suitable transmitting element and / or any other suitable array (eg, eg). You will recognize that it can contain transmit elements of arrays other than arrays, such as aperiodic arrays).

The transmitter is preferably coupled to one or more power sources (eg, electrically coupled, such as connected by conductive wires, or configured to receive power). .. The power source can include a remote power source (eg, power grid, external generator, external power storage device, etc.) and / or a power storage module (eg, the power supply device can include one or more power storage modules). The energy storage module preferably comprises a battery, more preferably a secondary battery, or an alternative primary battery, but additionally or optionally a capacitor (eg, to facilitate fast discharge in combination with the battery). A fuel cell with a fuel source (eg, metal hydride), optionally a thermal energy converter with a heat source (eg, radioactive material, fuel and burner, etc.) (eg, thermoelectronic converter, thermoelectric converter, mechanical heat engine, etc.) , Mechanical energy converters (eg, vibration energy harvesters, etc.), solar energy converters and / or any other suitable power source. Secondary batteries include lithium phosphate chemical reaction, lithium ion polymer chemical reaction, lithium ion chemical reaction, nickel metal hydride chemical reaction, lead acid chemical reaction, nickel cadmium chemical reaction, metal hydride chemical reaction, nickel manganese cobalt chemical reaction. , Magnesium chemistry, or any other suitable chemistry. Primary batteries include lithium thionyl chloride chemical reaction, zinc carbon chemical reaction, zinc chloride chemical reaction, alkali chemical reaction, oxynickel hydroxide chemical reaction, lithium iron disulfide chemical reaction, lithium manganese oxide chemical reaction, zinc air chemical reaction. , Silver oxide chemistry, or any other suitable chemistry can be included.

However, the transmitter may additionally or optionally include any other suitable element of any suitable configuration.

The receiver of the system may include one or more antennas (eg, configured to receive electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the transmitter). The receiver optionally includes or / or clients of one or more client devices (eg, battery and / or battery-embedded devices such as smartphones and / or other electrical and / or electronic user devices). It can be electrically connected to the device (eg, configured to transmit power). If necessary, the receiver may supply electricity, for example, between one or more antennas and the client device (eg, between one or more antennas and an electrical output configured to connect to the client device). It can include one or more buffer energy stores (eg, a battery), such as a battery connected to an antenna, which powers at a non-uniform rate and / or non-uniform characteristics. It may provide) and a client device (which can be temporarily disconnected from the receiver etc., requires powering at a substantially constant rate and / or at a substantially constant characteristic, and / Or can serve as a buffer between). In some embodiments, the receiver is US patent application No. 16/001,628 and / or 2018 with the title of the invention "System and Method for Wireless Power Transfer" filed June 6, 2018. 1 or as described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 (eg, with respect to the receiver of the system) in the title of the invention "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery" filed on June 6th. Contains multiple elements. Each of those applications shall be incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The antenna preferably receives power (eg, electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the receiver, preferably propagating or "far-field" radiation, but additionally or alternatively, evanescent or "near-field" radiation). It functions to combine the received power with the receiver.

Antennas can include directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas and / or any other suitable antenna. The antenna has a Q that is greater than a threshold such as a narrowband element (eg, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 500, 30-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or more than 1000. Values), wideband elements (eg, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 1-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-50, 50-100, 100-150, It has a Q value less than a threshold such as 150-300, 300-1000, or less than 1) and / or any other suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments, some or all of the receiver and / or transmitter antennas (eg, active antennas, passive antennas, etc.) include one or more tightly coupled arrays of resonators, but additionally or Alternatively, it can include a loosely coupled array, a loose array, a single resonator and / or any other suitable antenna element. Resonators include resonant loops, crossed resonators, split ring resonators, electrically induced capacitive resonators, other physically smaller resonators (eg, resonators smaller than their resonant wavelength), and / or other. Any suitable resonator can be included. However, the resonator can also be configured in other ways.

One or more antennas can optionally include multiple arrays (and / or other resonator configurations) arranged in different orientations, which may include various polarizations (eg, orthogonal bias). It can function to efficiently couple to the radiation of the wave). In a first embodiment, the antenna comprises a parallel resonator layer (eg, a parallel resonator array), where each layer has a different in-plane resonator orientation (eg, orthogonal orientation, oriented at an oblique angle, etc.). .. In a second embodiment, the antenna comprises a resonator on a non-parallel plane (eg, an orthogonal plane, a plane oriented at an oblique angle, etc.). However, the one or more antennas may additionally or optionally include any other suitable resonator and / or other antenna element and may have any other suitable arrangement. .. The one or more antennas may be metamaterials or have any other suitable configuration.

Although referred to herein as antennas (eg, active antennas, passive antennas, etc.), those skilled in the art will appreciate that the receiver antenna additionally or alternatively includes any other suitable type of receiving element. Will recognize that you can.

Transmitters and receivers, in addition or alternatives, to transmit and / or receive energy in any other suitable form (eg, sound, optics, etc.) and / or any other suitable. It may be configured to perform various roles. In one embodiment, all or part of the transmitter may further function as a receiver and / or all or part of the receiver may further function as a transmitter. For example, a system can include multiple equivalent devices, each of which can wirelessly transmit power to each of the other devices and receive power from each of the other devices.

The transmitter and receiver each preferably include a wireless communication module, but may additionally or optionally include a wired communication module or any other suitable communication module, or omit the communication module. be able to. The wireless communication module preferably supports one or more wireless communication protocols (eg, WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, RF, IR, Zigbee, Z-wave, etc.) (eg, communicating using the wireless communication protocol). To enable). However, transmitters and receivers may additionally or optionally include any other suitable element.

The transmitter and receiver preferably have arbitrary and / or dynamic arrangements relative to each other. In one example, the system includes a transmitter in a fixed position and a plurality of receivers, each of which undergoes many changes over time in position and orientation (eg, with respect to the transmitter, etc.). .. The system is optionally placed in such a setting that other nearby objects (eg, obstacles to wireless power transfer) can also have arbitrary and / or dynamic placement with respect to the elements of the system. You may do it. However, the system can specify any other suitable placement.

For client devices with RF sensitive components (eg, sensitive electronic devices), one or more dissipative elements (eg, elements with dissipative properties for RF power transmitted by the power supply device) are optional. Can be placed in the vicinity of RF sensitive components (and / or any other element for which it is desirable to minimize incident RF intensity). Due to such placement of dissipative elements, transmission optimization algorithms (eg, algorithms as described below with respect to the method) avoid transmission conditions that produce high RF intensities near sensitive components and / or. Transmission conditions can be achieved that do not produce high RF intensities near sensitive components. Additional or alternative, negative feedback receivers (eg, in addition to one or more receivers mentioned above), optionally RF sensitive components (and / or minimal incident RF intensities). It can be placed in the vicinity of any other element) that should be suppressed to. Such a negative feedback receiver preferably contains some or all of the elements mentioned with respect to the receiver (and / or shares some elements such as a wireless communication module with the receiver coupled to the client device. do). For example, a negative feedback receiver is substantially identical to the receiver described above (except, for example, configurations and / or identifiers such as programming that indicate proximity to RF-sensitive components and / or related programming). You may.

In some embodiments, the system is described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," filed June 6, 2018. Includes one or more elements (and / or the entire system) such as. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, the system may additionally or optionally include any other suitable element of any suitable configuration.

4. Method 4.1 Transmitter-Receiver Proximity Determination Transmitter-receiver proximity determination step S100 provides an opportunity for wireless power supply (eg, from the transmitter to one or more receivers). It can function as shown. Preferably, the S100 is within the range of one or more transmitters (eg, within the range of communication with the transmitter, with established communication with the transmitter, at a distance from the transmitter below the threshold). Includes determining a set of receivers (which are expected to be able to receive power from a transmitter at a rate higher than the threshold). For example, S100 is such that one or more receivers are within the transmission range of the transmitter (eg, a range that allows efficient power transmission, substantial power transmission, arbitrary measurable power transmission, etc.). Can include the determination of. Transmitter-receiver proximity is preferably determined using wireless communication (eg, using the transmitter and receiver wireless communication modules). For example, one device indicates that the other device is nearby, establishing wireless communication between them, wireless communication signal strength (eg RSSI), information exchanged over the wireless connection, and / or others. Can be determined based on any suitable indicator of.

Transmitter-Receiver Proximity Determination S100 additionally or alternatively includes optical recognition (eg, detecting nearby receivers in an image captured by the transmitter's camera), user input (eg, detecting nearby receivers). For example, it can include receiving a button press), detecting changes in wireless power supply, and / or any other suitable element. For example, a transmitter that wirelessly transmits power to a first receiver can detect the arrival of a second receiver based on a decrease in power supplied to the first receiver.

The S100 may additionally or optionally include a step of determining information about the receiver and / or one or more transmitters. Information includes device type (eg, model, serial number, etc.), power demand (eg, battery charge status, current power consumption, etc.), estimation (eg, standard, plan, forecast, etc.), proximity dwell time, and proximity. Estimated position stability (eg, resting on a table, moving in the user's clothing pocket, etc.), device position (eg, three-sided / triangulation, optical recognition, line-of-sight sensor, device IMU reading, device GPS reading) It can contain (based on values, etc.) and / or any other suitable information. However, S100 may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable element or may be performed in other ways.

4.2 Evaluation of transmission parameters Evaluation of transmission parameter values S400 preferably is a set of one or more transmission parameter values that can enable efficient power transmission (eg, from transmitter to receiver). Functions to determine (transmission settings). The S400 is preferably performed in response to a transmitter-receiver proximity determination S100 and may additionally or optionally be performed in response to a determination of transmission performance and / or need changes. .. However, S400 may, in addition or alternative, be performed at any other suitable time. Transmission parameters include the transmission phase of one or more antennas (eg, with respect to a reference phase such as the transmission phase of a reference antenna) and / or beam forming parameters such as transmission amplitude, beam direction (eg, azimuth and polar angles). Supergain such as angle that describes the beam direction), other spatial parameters (eg, position and / or orientation of the region of high intensity and / or low intensity excitation), supergain receiver type, position and / or orientation. It can include excitation parameters, passive antenna parameters such as resistance, capacitance and / or inductance coupled to one or more antennas (eg, electrical component coupling parameters) and / or any other suitable parameter. In the first example, the transmission parameters are the transmission phase and / or amplitude of one or more active antennas and / or antenna groups (eg, hardware-defined groups, software-defined groups, etc.), preferably phase (eg, phase). Includes the transmission phase and / or amplitude of each active antenna of one or more transmitters (of an antenna array such as an antenna array or other adaptive antenna array). In the second example, the transmission parameters include beamforming parameters associated with one or more beamforming networks defined by the antenna (eg, Rotman lens, Butler matrix, etc.) (eg, like a software-defined antenna group). One or more antenna groups, each defining a separate beamforming network). In the third example, the transmission parameters are transmitter (eg, one or more antenna groups, such as hardware and / or software-defined antenna groups, each defining a separate supergain structure) and / or receiver. Includes super gain excitation parameters associated with one or more super gain structures (eg, antennas, arrays, etc.) defined by the antenna of. However, the transmission parameters may additionally or optionally include any other suitable parameters.

Evaluation of transmission parameters S400 can optionally include the step of determining one or more antenna groups (eg, software-defined antenna groups), which are used to reduce the dimension of the transmission parameter space. (For example, the space defined by the transmission parameters is different from the physical space defined by the position and / or orientation of an object in a space area such as a room). For example, instead of controlling the parameters associated with each active antenna (eg, transmission phase and / or amplitude) independently, the dimension of the transmission parameter space is controlled by the parameters associated with each antenna group (eg, transmission phase and / or). Or it can be reduced to amplitude, beamforming parameters, super gain excitation parameters, etc.). In the first embodiment, groups are predefined (eg, based on the characteristics of the transmitter; based on the characteristics of a fixed element near the transmitter, such as a transmitter installed in a fixed position). In a second embodiment, the group describes below, such as data related to radio power received at one or more receivers of the system, based on statistical analysis and / or machine learning techniques and the like. (Using the required data) to be determined dynamically. For example, principal component analysis and / or clustering techniques (eg, k-means clustering, X-means clustering, spectral clustering, etc.) can be used to determine antenna groups (eg, highly correlated antennas and / Or antenna parameters are grouped together, cluster antennas are grouped together, and so on). However, the antenna group can be additionally or optionally determined by any other suitable method, or the antenna group may not be determined.

S400 includes a preliminary evaluation execution S410 (eg, as shown in FIG. 1B), a receiver group determination S420, a multi-objective optimization execution S430, and / or a transmission plan determination S440. However, S400 can additionally or alternatively include evaluating transmission parameters in any other suitable way.

4.2.1 Execution of Preliminary Evaluation Execution of Preliminary Evaluation S410 preferably determines a set of mappings between a transmission parameter space and a point in a target space (eg, a space indicating power transmission to each receiver). And more preferably, those points include points (within the transmission parameter space) that are close to one or more efficient transmission settings for powering one or more receivers. S410 is preferably performed in response to transmitter-receiver proximity determination S100, but may be additionally or optionally performed at any other suitable time.

S410 preferably comprises evaluating one or more transmission settings. Each transmission setting is preferably described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 under the title of the invention "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery" filed June 6, 2018 ( For example, as described for determination S200 of transmission parameter values, especially as described for evaluation S220 of candidate transmission parameter values). This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additional or alternative, it can be evaluated by any other suitable method. For each evaluated transmission setting, S410 preferably has a corresponding evaluation space value (eg, power received by each receiver, such as each receiver within the communication range of the transmitter; power received by the receiver. Includes determining and / or caching (such as a value proportional to power, such as power supply efficiency, calculated by dividing by the transmission power value, such as transmission power or power consumed by the transmitter).

In one embodiment, S410 searches for each receiver (eg, each receiver within the communication range of the transmitter) to determine the optimal transmission settings for that receiver (eg, a single value). Includes performing objective function search). This search is preferably performed without considering the performance of other receivers. However, information related to the performance of the other receiver (and / or any negative feedback receiver) under search (eg, power received by the other receiver) is performed (eg, as part of S410). It is preferably determined and / or cached for use in subsequent searches, such as the search to be done, for the receiver group determination S420 and / or for the execution of the multi-objective optimization S430, etc.). The search is as described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 under the title of the invention "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery" filed June 6, 2018 (eg, transmission parameter values). It can be performed (as described for the determination of S200) and / or can be performed in any other suitable way. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, this search is limited to a local best-first search (eg, as described in US Patent Application No. 16/001,725 with respect to performing a local best-first search S230), while others. In embodiments, some or all of the receiver searches may include a global best-first search (eg, as described in US Patent Application No. 16/001,725 for performing a global best-first search S240). can.

Additional or alternative, the performance of one or more other receivers can be considered during the execution of this search. In an embodiment, the objective function underlying the search is a function of the performance of multiple receivers (eg, the Method and System for, filed June 6, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A multivariate function of the power received by each receiver and / or any other suitable multivariate, as described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, entitled "Wiless Power Delivery". Functions) and / or the search can be a multipurpose search (eg, each objective function is associated with a different receiver or a different set of receivers). In a variant where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers (eg, negative feedback receivers placed in close proximity to RF sensitive components), the power received by one or more negative feedback receivers. , Can be considered during the execution of this search. For example, one or more objective functions can include one or more penalty terms related to powering one or more of the negative feedback receivers (eg, the objective function value is a negative feedback receiver). It is improved by reducing the power supply to).

However, S410 may additionally or optionally include the step of performing a preliminary evaluation in any other suitable manner.

4.2.2 Determination of receiver group Determination of receiver group S420 is preferably one of the receivers that can (eg, are expected to operate) well under the same transmission settings. It works to determine multiple groups. Preferably, for each receiver group, it is expected that it is possible to determine transmission settings that achieve high speed and / or efficient (eg, above threshold) power transfer to each receiver in each group. Will be done.

S420 preferably comprises determining a set of receiver groups. Each group preferably comprises a small number of receivers (eg, 2 or 3 receivers), but additionally or alternatively, a larger number of receivers (eg, 4, 5, 6-10, 10). Super etc.) can be included. The set of receiver groups preferably extends to all receivers (eg, each receiver is included in at least one receiver group). Receiver groups can be disassembled or duplicated. In some examples, the number of receiver groups is greater than the number of receivers (eg, much more than double or ten times) (ie, each receiver belongs to multiple receiver groups). ..

S420 is preferably executed in response to S410 (eg, upon completion of S410), but may additionally or optionally be executed at any other suitable time.

S420 is preferably executed based on the mapping determined in S410, such as the objective function value of a particular transmission setting (eg, power received by each receiver, power transmission efficiency to each receiver, etc.). .. For example, S420 is an objective function value of all receivers (or a subset thereof) in the optimum transmission setting of each receiver (for example, the optimum transmission setting of receiver 1, the optimum transmission setting of receiver 2, and the receiver. It can be executed based on the set of objective function values of all receivers in the optimum transmission setting such as the optimum transmission setting of 3. S420 can be performed additionally or alternatives based on interpolated values (eg, values determined as described below for S430). However, the receiver group can be additionally or optionally determined based on any other suitable information.

In the first embodiment, the receiver group is determined based on the receivers having the optimum transmission settings in close proximity to each other in the parameter space. In the first example of this embodiment, all receivers whose optimal transmission settings are less than a threshold distance from each other (eg, in the transmission parameter space) are grouped together. In the second example, a preset number of receivers (a desired number of receivers for each group, such as 2 or 3 receivers) are grouped based on their optimal transmission setting proximity. (For example, each receiver is grouped with the receiver whose optimal transmission setting is closest to its own optimal transmission setting).

In the second embodiment, receivers having sufficient performance at a particular transmission setting are grouped together. In the first variation of this embodiment, the receivers are grouped based on the performance of the receiver under the optimum transmission settings of a particular receiver. In the first example of this variation, a limited number of receivers, such as all other receivers (or just one or two other receivers) where a particular receiver performs above a threshold in this transmission setting. Grouped together with the machine). In the second variation, a particular receiver is grouped with a particular number of other receivers (eg, a preset number, such as 1 or 2) (eg, the best performing receiver in this transmission setting). Is made. In the second variation, reception in a transmission setting where multiple receivers perform substantially equally (eg, 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 100%, etc., within thresholds of each other). The performance of the machine is preferably such that the receiver has a minimum threshold performance (eg, absolute threshold or relative threshold, eg, optimal receiver performance of 10, 20, 50, 70, 80, 90, 90, 0- It is considered to be limited to transmission settings that exhibit better performance (25, 25-60, 60-80, 80-95, or 95-100%, etc.). In this variation, receiver performance is measured by absolute performance metrics (eg, received power) and / or relative performance metrics (eg, each receiver is performing under its own optimum transmission settings. Can be compared based on). In this variation, receivers that perform substantially the same performance preferably define a group.

In a third embodiment, a group of receivers is determined using one or more statistical and / or machine learning techniques such as a classification algorithm (eg, a clustering algorithm). Group determination (eg, clustering) is based on all known transmission settings (eg, all mappings determined during the execution of S410) and / or others, based on the optimum transmission settings for each receiver. It can be done based on any appropriate information in. Clustering can be performed using, for example, k-means clustering, X-means clustering, spectral clustering and / or any other suitable clustering technique.

In a fourth embodiment, receivers are grouped for spatial reasons (eg, receivers that are close to each other in physical space are grouped together). The proximity between receivers depends on the received signal strength display (RSSI), spatial sensor (eg, spatial sensor such as receiver, transmitter, auxiliary device), image data (eg, receiver, transmitter, auxiliary device, etc.). It can be determined based on (sampled) and / or any other suitable information (eg, information as described for transmitter-receiver proximity determination S100).

In the fifth embodiment, the group is randomly determined. In the sixth embodiment, all possible receiver groups of a particular one or more sizes (eg, all pairs, all triads, all groups of size 4 and the like) are used. In some examples, as described in US Provisional Application No. 62 / 772,425, filed November 28, 2018, in which the receiver group is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is determined.

The S420 optionally does not include one or more receivers (eg, receivers for which it is difficult or impossible to achieve sufficiently high power transmission) in any receiver group. , Can include exclusion from consideration. For example, for each receiver (or a subset thereof), any known transmission setting is a threshold (eg, a predetermined value, a value relative to the receiver's power consumption and / or charge state, average or minimum. If you do not achieve an objective function value (relative to the objective function associated with the receiver under consideration) that is greater than (such as relative to other objective function values such as the maximum value of the objective function), then consider the receiver. Can be excluded. However, receivers can be additionally or alternatively excluded from consideration based on any other appropriate decision.

In some embodiments, the S400 optionally receives during and / or after execution of the multi-objective optimization S430 (eg, based on one or more results of the multi-objective optimization such as objective function values). Step S420, which determines the machine group, can be included. For example, S420 can be repeated to modify (and / or determine a new group) receiver groups based on the results of one or more preliminary multi-objective optimizations (eg, in this case S430). However, it may be executed using loose convergence criteria, or it may be executed in a short time or the number of cycles). In the first particular example, if multi-objective optimization for a group of three receivers cannot find the appropriate transmission settings, remove one of the three receivers from the group. Can (and add to different groups, such as new or existing receiver groups, and not to other groups). In the second particular example, if the results of some multi-objective optimizations indicate a potentially beneficial receiver group (eg, multi-objective optimization evaluates one or more transmission settings). In contrast, multiple receivers, such as receivers that are not currently assigned to the same group, show good performance and / or other objective functions as described above for determining the receiver group based on preliminary evaluation. A possible receiver group can be added to the set of receiver groups (and, for example, one or more receivers in a new group without changing the other groups as is). Can be removed from other groups).

However, the S420 is an additional or alternative step of determining the receiver group in any other suitable way, at any other suitable time, and / or based on any other suitable information. Can be included.

42.3 Execution of multi-objective optimization Execution of multi-objective optimization S430 preferably functions to determine a plurality of efficient transmission settings (eg, a setting close to one or more Pareto optimal surfaces). S430 is preferably US Patent Application No. 16/001,725 under the name of the invention "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery" filed June 6, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Performed as described in the issue (eg, as described for the use of the multipurpose exploration approach). For example, S430 can include performing a global best-first search using one or more multi-objective search approaches.

であるか、

である設定ｘ’が存在しないものである。パレート最適曲面上および／またはその近傍の伝送設定のセットは、品質および／またはダイバーシティのような１または複数の測定基準に基づいて評価することができる。例えば、セットの品質は、目的空間内の対応する点がパレート最適曲面（好ましくは真のパレート最適曲面、追加的または代替的には、その近似値および／または他の任意の適切なパレート最適曲面）に近いほど品質が高くなるように定義することができ（ここで、パレート最適曲面までの距離は、セット全体の平均距離、パレート最適曲面全体の平均距離、セット全体の最大距離などに基づいて決定され）、かつ／またはセットのダイバーシティは、セットがパレート最適曲面に沿ってより均等に分布しているときに（例えば、パレート最適曲面に投影された目的空間内の点が、パレート最適曲面の全範囲にわたってより均等に間隔を空けて配置されているときに）、ダイバーシティがより高くなるように定義することができる。しかしながら、セットを、追加的または代替的には、他の任意の適切な測定基準に基づいて評価することができる（かつ／または評価しなくともよい）。 For each receiver group (eg, each group determined in S420) or a subset of such groups, S430 preferably searches for transmission settings on and / or near the Pareto optimal surface of the receivers in that group. Includes doing (eg, determining and / or caching, regardless of receiver performance-related information not included in the group under consideration). The Pareto optimal surface of a group of receivers is defined as a set of Pareto efficient (not Pareto-dominated by other transmission settings) transmission settings. For example, in a receiver group having two receivers (thus including two objective functions: _{fi and f j )} , the Pareto efficient setting x may be

Is it?

The setting x'is not present. A set of transmission settings on and / or near the Pareto optimal surface can be evaluated based on one or more metrics such as quality and / or diversity. For example, the quality of the set is such that the corresponding points in the objective space are Pallet-optimal surfaces (preferably true Pallet-optimal surfaces, optionally their approximations and / or any other suitable Pallet-optimal surface). ) Can be defined as the higher the quality (where the distance to the Pareto optimal surface is based on the average distance of the entire set, the average distance of the entire Pareto optimal surface, the maximum distance of the entire set, etc.). And / or the diversity of the set is when the set is more evenly distributed along the Pareto-optimal surface (eg, points in the objective space projected onto the Pareto-optimal surface are on the Pareto-optimal surface. Diversity can be defined to be higher (when more evenly spaced over the entire range). However, the set can, in addition or alternative, be evaluated based on any other suitable metric (and / or not required).

The search for transmission settings is Pallet Simulated Annealing (PSA), Multipurpose Simulated Annexing (MOSA), Multipurpose Simulated Annexing (MOPSO), Multipurpose Genetic Local Search (MOGLS), Modified Multipurpose Genetic Local Search (MMOGLS), Non-dominant. One or more multipurpose search approaches such as Sort Genetic Algorithm (NSGA), NSGA II, NSGA IIC, Strongth Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA), Pareto Metric Algorithm (PMA), IMMOGLS, Simulated Anneal, UMOSA and / or DMOSA. Can include use.

In some embodiments, the search for those transmission settings comprises starting with a set of transmission settings for which mapping to the destination space is known (eg, determined in S410). This set preferably contains all known non-dominant points (known) in the transmission parameter space for a set of objective functions, preferably for each receiver in the group, including the objective function associated with the receiver. Includes (eg, points that have a known mapping to the destination space and are not palletized by any other point that has a known mapping to the destination space). Known non-dominant points are not necessarily Pareto efficient and do not dominate any of the known non-dominant points (whether or not their mapping to the destination space is known). Rather, known non-dominant points are limited to points where none of the known points (points whose mapping to the destination space is known) dominate any of the known non-dominant points. However, the set can optionally contain a subset of known non-dominant points, and additionally or alternatively, one or more other Pallet dominance points (eg, one or more known mappings to the destination space). It can include points) and / or any other suitable point in the transmission parameter space that is pallet-controlled by the points. The set can additionally or alternatively include interpolated points (eg, points determined as described below).

In these embodiments, the search is preferably initiated by using a high diversity approach (eg, PSA) to determine multiple transmission settings with high diversity. The high diversity approach is a preset number of iterations, a preset execution time, until the convergence criteria are met (eg, enough times to approximate the Pareto optimal surface, until a non-dominant threshold is determined. , Or until a set achieves sufficient diversity metrics) and / or for any other suitable time. Following the high diversity approach, preferably (eg, starting with the transmission settings found using the high diversity approach) to find high quality transmission settings (eg, near the true Pareto optimal surface). A high quality approach (eg, MOPSO) is used to find out. The high quality approach is a preset number of iterations, a preset run time, until the convergence criteria are met (eg, until the threshold quality metrics are achieved by the set), and / or any other suitable. Can be run over time. Those embodiments optionally take a high diversity and / or high quality approach with one or more additional iterations (eg, for each iteration, from the transmission settings found using the previous search iterations). Can include repeating (starting). One example involves performing a PSA, then a MOPSO, and then a PSA again with the results of the MOPSO. A second example involves alternating PSA and MOPSO several times (eg, 2, 3, 4, or 5-10 iterations, respectively).

The search can optionally include the use of interpolation. Interpolation can be performed instead of the high diversity approach before and / or after the high diversity approach, preferably before the high quality approach, and additionally or alternatives after and / or after the high quality approach. You can do it instead. The interpolation is preferably performed in the transmission parameter space and is preferably interval interpolation (eg, interval constant interpolation, interval linear interpolation, spline interpolation, etc.). The interpolation may be constant interpolation, linear interpolation, polynomial interpolation and / or any other suitable interpolation.

For each receiver group, S430 is preferably non-dominant considering only the performance of multiple non-dominant transmission settings (eg, the performance of the receivers in that group) and thus associated with those receivers. Determine non-dominant transmission settings based solely on the objective function). Each of those pluralitys preferably includes transmission settings corresponding to the optimum conditions of a single receiver (eg, optimum transmission settings for each receiver in the group, as determined by S410), but as an alternative. In the end, such a setting can be excluded. However, S430 may, in an additional or alternative manner, include performing multi-objective optimization in any other suitable way.

4.2.4 Determination of transmission plan Determination of transmission plan S440 preferably functions to determine how power is transmitted to the receiver. S440 is preferably executed in response to the execution of S430, but can be additionally or optionally performed at any other suitable time. S440 preferably includes, but additionally or alternatives, step S441 to determine the desired power supply, step S442 to select a set of transmission settings, and / or step S443 to determine the duration of the transmission settings. Can include any other suitable element.

Determining the desired power supply S441 preferably comprises determining for each receiver the metrics associated with the desired power supply to that receiver. The metric is preferably the total energy supplied, such as the energy required to charge the battery (eg, the battery of the client device associated with the receiver) to a threshold. Alternatively, the metric may be a power supply metric, such as the average or minimum power delivered (eg, an average or minimum value greater than or equal to the expected average power consumption by the device powered by the receiver). .. However, the metric may optionally be any other metric determined based on information such as the energy state and / or consumption of the device, or any other suitable metric. May be. The metric (and / or the information for determining the metric) is preferably received from the receiver (eg, via wireless communication) (eg, by the transmitter), but additionally or alternatively. Can be determined by any other suitable method. S441 is preferably performed for each receiver (eg, a receiver within the communication range of the transmitter), but may additionally or optionally be performed for any suitable set of receivers. ..

In embodiments where the system comprises one or more negative feedback receivers, S441 optionally relates to one or more negative feedback receivers (preferably all such receivers). It can include determining (eg, metrics as described above). For example, the metrics associated with the negative feedback receiver can be maximum power (eg, average power, instantaneous power, etc. that are averaged over the heat dissipation time frame) and / or total energy supply value. However, S441 can additionally or alternatively include describing the negative feedback receiver in any other suitable manner.

S441 optionally sets one or more receivers (eg, receivers for which it is difficult or impossible to achieve a sufficiently high power supply) with the associated metrics set to zero, etc. Can include exclusion from consideration. For example, for each receiver (or a subset thereof), any known transmission setting has a threshold (eg, a predetermined value, a value relative to the receiver's power consumption and / or charge state, other objective functions. Relative values to values, such as the maximum value of the average objective function, multiple non-dominant transmission settings or a subset thereof, such as the average objective function value of a subset determined based on the objective function, the maximum value of the minimum objective function, Objective function values greater than multiple non-dominant transmission settings or a subset thereof, such as the minimum objective function value of a subset determined based on the objective function (for the objective function associated with the receiver under consideration). If you do not achieve, you can exclude the receiver from consideration. However, S441 can additionally or alternatively include determining the metric by any other suitable method.

Selecting a set of transmission settings S442 preferably comprises selecting from a plurality of non-dominant transmission settings determined in S430 (eg, each associated with a different receiver group). S442 preferably comprises selecting a subset of those settings. For example, S442 can include selecting a threshold number of transmission settings (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4-9, 10-30, 30-100, etc.) from each plurality. In a particular example, S442 comprises selecting a single transmission setting from each of the plurality.

Selecting a subset (eg, the optimal subset) from multiple non-dominant transmission settings can include performing an optimization search (eg, determining the optimal subset), and the optimal subset is preferred. Is a subset associated with the optimal transmission plan (eg, the optimal transmission plan is a subset of settings that specify a non-zero charge time and / or duty cycle). Performing a search preferably involves evaluating a candidate subset (eg, evaluating an objective function based on the candidate subset). To evaluate a candidate subset, the power transmission duration of the candidate subset can be determined (eg, as described below for S443) and the metrics for the candidate subset can be determined for their duration (eg, of duration). Can be determined based on the total). For example, the goal of search optimization can be to minimize the total charge time (eg, the time required to achieve the desired energy supply to all receivers). The search uses one or more discrete optimization algorithms (eg, candidate subsets) such as grid search (eg, adaptive grid search), hill climb algorithm, discrete evolutionary algorithm and / or any other suitable algorithm. Can be done (based on metrics). In embodiments where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers, the search is optionally constrained based on the negative feedback receiver metrics (eg, not exceeding the maximum threshold power and / or energy). can do. However, the optimal subset can be, in addition or alternative, determined by any other suitable method (or any other suitable subset can be selected).

Alternatively, S442 can include selecting all non-dominant transmission settings (eg, without excluding such settings from consideration).

Determining the duration of a transmission setting S443 is preferably performed for a subset of transmission settings (eg, the optimal subset selected in S442, the candidate subset considered during the search for the optimal subset performed in S442, etc.). Will be done. Preferably, S443 comprises solving a linear programming problem.

ここで、各ｙ_ｊは、検討されるサブセットの伝送設定を表し、ｆ_ｉ（ｙ_ｊ）は、伝送設定ｙ_ｊの下で受信機ｉに供給される電力を表し、Ｅ_ｉは、受信機ｉに供給される最小総エネルギーを表し、ｔ_ｊは、伝送設定ｙ_ｊの下で伝送が行われる持続時間（Ｓ４４３を実行することによって解かれる持続時間）を表し、好ましくは、サブセットのすべての伝送設定についての合計が求められるが、代替的には、関連する受信機のセットが受信機ｉを含む（サブセットの）伝送設定のみについての合計が求められ、かつ／または、他の適切な伝送設定についての合計が求められる。１または複数の受信機が優先状態（例えば、高、中、低充電優先度のような優先順位分類、優先順位ランキング、優先順位スコアなど）に関連付けられる実施形態では、制約条件を、任意選択的には、優先状態に基づいて変更することができる。例えば、すべての受信機の測定基準を満たすような合計伝送時間が増加するとしても、結果として得られる伝送計画が、より高い優先度の受信機への電力供給を優先するように、制約条件を変更することができる（例えば、変更されていない制約条件と比較して、高い優先度の受信機を満たすのに必要な伝送時間は減少するが、低い優先度の受信機を満たすのに必要な伝送時間は増加する）。システムが１または複数の負帰還受信機を含む実施形態では、線形計画問題が、追加的または代替的には、負帰還受信機の測定基準に基づいて（例えば、最大閾値電力および／またはエネルギーを超過しないように）制約され得る。 For this problem, the constraint is preferably to supply each receiver with a desired amount of energy (eg, based on the desired power supply determined in S441). For example, the constraints for each receiver can be expressed as follows.

Here, each y _j represents the transmission setting of the subset to be considered, _fi (y _j ) represents the power supplied to the receiver i under the transmission setting y _j , and E _i represents the receiver. Represents the minimum total energy supplied to i, where t _j represents the duration of transmission under the transmission setting y _j (duration solved by executing S443), preferably all of the subset. The sum for the transmission settings is calculated, but in the alternative, the sum for only the (coupled) transmission settings where the set of related receivers includes receiver i is calculated and / or other suitable transmissions. The total for the settings is calculated. In embodiments where one or more receivers are associated with a priority state (eg, priority classification such as high, medium, low charge priority, priority ranking, priority score, etc.), the constraints are optional. Can be changed based on the priority status. For example, even if the total transmission time increases to meet the metrics of all receivers, the resulting transmission plan should be constrained to prioritize power delivery to the higher priority receivers. Can be changed (for example, compared to the constraints that have not changed, the transmission time required to meet the high priority receiver is reduced, but required to meet the low priority receiver. Transmission time will increase). In embodiments where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers, the linear programming problem, additionally or alternatively, is based on the negative feedback receiver metrics (eg, maximum threshold power and / or energy). Can be constrained (not to exceed).

The objective function of the linear programming problem is preferably to minimize the total transmission time required to satisfy the constraints (eg, sum of individual durations t _{total = Σjtj} ). Linear programming problems include one or more simplex algorithms, Chriscross algorithms, interior point methods (eg, path tracking, ellipsoids, Karmarkar's algorithm, Affin scaling, Mehrotra's predictor-collector method, etc.), column generation. It can be solved using an algorithm and / or any other suitable linear programming method.

However, S443 additionally or alternatively determines the duration by optimizing a non-linear function of duration (or a subset thereof), and / or by any other suitable method. Can include deciding.

S440 preferably comprises determining a transmission plan, which preferably comprises the optimal subset (eg, selected in S442) and the associated transmission duration for each transmission setting of the optimal subset. (For example, determined in S443) and / or duty cycle (eg, determined based on transmission duration, eg, the transmission duration for the relevant transmission settings divided by the sum of all transmission durations). (Equal) and (eg, include). However, S440 may, in an additional or alternative manner, include determining any other suitable transmission plan in any suitable way.

4.3 Transmission of Power Based on Transmission Plan Transmission of Power Based on Transmission Plan The S700 can function to power the receiver wirelessly. The power is preferably transmitted (S700) in response to a transmission parameter evaluation S400 (eg, in response to a transmission plan decision S440), but in addition or alternatives, any other suitable. Can be done at times. Power is preferably transmitted over the entire residence time of the receiver within the range of the transmitter (S700), but additionally or alternatively, intermittently, according to schedule, receiver operating parameters (eg, charging). It may be transmitted based on the state) and / or at any other appropriate timing.

The S700 preferably comprises circulating the transmission settings indicated by the plan (eg, the optimal subset of settings), more preferably such cycles as indicated by the plan (eg, the associated persistence). Weighted by time (in proportion to time and / or duty cycle). For example, the settings can be cycled at a preset total cycle frequency, each duration can be divided (eg, evenly divided) into a preset number of time slices, and / or set. Can be circulated at any other suitable rate. Alternatively, the settings can be cycled without time weighting (and / or any other suitable time weighting), for example, the settings can be removed from the cycle after the desired duration has elapsed. However, the S700 may, in an additional or alternative manner, include transmitting for any suitable period under any other suitable transmission setting.

The power is preferably transmitted as one or more pure sound (or substantially pure sound such as defining a bandwidth below the threshold bandwidth) signal (eg, one or more supergain structures and / or others). Although it may be beneficial in embodiments that use narrow bandwidth antennas), it may additionally or optionally be transmitted in any other suitable format (eg, wider bandwidth antennas). An embodiment in which a communication signal is transmitted together with power, etc.). In the first embodiment, the radiation is at a frequency on the GHz scale (eg, above 5-10 GHz, eg 5.8 GHz and / or 5.8 GHz). In the second embodiment, the radiation is at frequencies on the scale of several hundred MHz (eg, 100-500 MHz, eg, 433 MHz and / or less than 433 MHz; 700-1100 MHz, eg 806-821 MHz, 851-870 MHz, 896-902 MHz, 902-. 928 MHz and / or 935-941 MHz, etc.). However, power can be additionally or optionally received in any other suitable form.

S400 (or one or more elements thereof) can optionally be repeated during power transfer S700 (eg, power transfer is temporarily stopped during transmission parameter reassessment). Iterative execution of the S400 preferably uses the recently determined transmission settings as initial values, but may, in addition or alternative, use any other suitable value (eg, the initials of the S400). Use other previously determined values, etc. to be done during execution). The S400 is based on receiver and / or transmitter measurements such as detection of changes in transmitted power (eg, greater than absolute or relative thresholds), motion detection (eg, IMU measurements). ), Detection of additional receivers and / or transmitters in close proximity to the system S100, determination of changes in the desired power supply to one or more receivers (eg, based on updated battery charge information) (eg, based on updated battery charge information). Iterative S440) in response to such changes, or can be repeated in response to reception of user input, periodically (eg, at a preset rate, or at a dynamically determined rate, eg, a system). And / or a rate determined based on observation and / or expected temporal and / or spatial stability of its performance, preferably a lower stability corresponds to a faster rate. Etc.), sporadically and randomly, and / or at any other appropriate time. However, power can be transmitted by any other suitable method (S700), which, in addition or alternative to, any other suitable method performed by any other suitable method. Elements can be included.

Although omitted for brevity, preferred embodiments can include any combination and sort of different system components and different method processes. Moreover, various processes of the preferred method can be at least partially embodied and / or implemented as a machine configured to accept a computer-readable medium for storing computer-readable instructions. Instructions are preferably executed by computer executable components integrated into the system. The computer readable medium can be stored in any suitable computer readable medium such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical device (CD or DVD), hard drive, floppy drive or any suitable device. A computer-executable component is preferably a general or application-specific processing subsystem, but any suitable dedicated hardware device or hardware / firmware combination device performs additional or alternative instructions. can do.

The drawings show the architecture, function and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to preferred embodiments, exemplary configurations and variants thereof. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram represents a part of a module, segment, step or code and contains one or more executable instructions to implement one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may be performed in a different order than described in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown in succession can be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the associated function. Also, each block of the block diagram and / or flowchart, and the combination of blocks of the block diagram and / or flowchart, is a dedicated hardware-based system or dedicated hardware and computer instruction that performs a specified function or operation. Also note that it can be implemented in combination.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, as will be appreciated from the above-mentioned detailed description and the drawings and claims. Modifications and changes can be made to the morphology.

Claims (21)

A method for wireless power transfer
-Steps to determine the receiver group including the first receiver and the second receiver, and
-In response to the decision of the receiver group
The first objective function associated with the first receiver and
A step of determining a plurality of transmission parameter sets based on a second objective function associated with the second receiver, wherein determining the plurality of transmission parameter sets is the plurality of transmissions. For each transmission parameter set in the parameter set, a step comprising evaluating the first and second objective functions based on the respective transmission parameter set.
A step of determining a charging plan based on the evaluation of the first and second objective functions, wherein the charging plan is:
-The first transmission parameter set among the plurality of transmission parameter sets and
The first duty cycle associated with the first transmission parameter set and
・ The second transmission parameter set and
A step and a step comprising a second duty cycle associated with said second transmission parameter set.
In a transmitter including a plurality of transmission elements, a step of wirelessly transmitting power to the first and second receivers based on the charging plan, which is a transmission parameter associated with the plurality of transmission parameter sets. The space comprises, for each transmitting element of the plurality of transmitting elements, a step of transmitting power, which comprises at least one of the respective phase parameters and the respective amplitude parameters .
Evaluating the first and second objective functions based on their respective transmission parameter sets
A step of transmitting power based on each transmission parameter set in the transmitter through each time interval.
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the first receiver during each time interval.
A step of measuring each first power received by the first receiver during each time interval, and
A step of evaluating the first objective function based on each first power , and
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the second receiver during each time interval.
A step of measuring each second power received by the second receiver during each time interval, and
A method comprising the step of evaluating the second objective function based on each second power . In the method according to claim 1,
Wireless transmission of power based on the charging plan is
A step of transmitting based on the first transmission parameter set through the first time interval.
Including the step of transmitting based on the second transmission parameter set throughout the second time interval.
It is characterized in that the ratio of the duration of the first time interval to the duration of the second time interval is substantially equal to the duty cycle ratio of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle. Method. In the method according to claim 1,
A method characterized in that the plurality of transmission parameter sets include the second transmission parameter set. In the method according to claim 1,
-Steps to determine a second receiver group, including a third receiver, and
It further includes the step of determining a second plurality of transmission parameter sets based on the third objective function associated with the third receiver in response to the determination of the second receiver group. ,
The second plurality of transmission parameter sets include the second transmission parameter set.
A method characterized in that the charging plan is further determined based on the evaluation of the third objective function. In the method according to claim 4,
The second receiver group further includes a fourth receiver.
The second plurality of transmission parameter sets are further determined based on a fourth objective function associated with the fourth receiver.
A method characterized in that the charging plan is further determined based on the evaluation of the third and fourth objective functions. In the method according to claim 4,
A method characterized in that the second receiver group further includes the second receiver. In the method according to claim 1,
A step of determining a first supply energy target amount associated with the first receiver, and
Further including the step of determining the second supply energy target amount associated with the second receiver.
A method characterized in that the charging plan is further determined based on the first and second supply energy target amounts. In the method according to claim 7.
Determining the charge scheme comprises using a discrete optimization algorithm to minimize the expected power transmission time required to meet the first and second supply energy targets. Method. In the method according to claim 1,
A method characterized in that the plurality of transmission parameter sets define a Pareto non-dominant set of the first and second objective functions. In the method according to claim 9,
A method characterized in that determining the plurality of transmission parameter sets further comprises performing a search based on the first and second objective functions and the Pareto pseudo-annealing algorithm. In the method of claim 10,
A method characterized in that the search is further based on a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm. In the method according to claim 1,
-The multiple transmission elements define a phased array,
A method characterized in that the transmission parameter space includes a phase parameter for each transmission element among a plurality of transmission elements . A method for wireless power transfer
A step of determining a first receiver group that includes a first receiver and a second receiver, and
-Steps to determine a second receiver group, including a third receiver, and
-In response to the decision of the first receiver group,
The first objective function associated with the first receiver and
A step of determining a first plurality of transmission parameter sets based on a second objective function associated with the second receiver, wherein the first plurality of transmission parameter sets are determined. Includes evaluating the first and second objective functions for each transmission parameter set of the first plurality of transmission parameter sets based on the respective transmission parameter set.
A step of determining a second plurality of transmission parameter sets based on a third objective function associated with the third receiver in response to the determination of the second receiver group. Determining a third plurality of transmission parameter sets evaluates the third objective function for each transmission parameter set in the second plurality of transmission parameter sets based on the respective transmission parameter set. The step and the step of determining the charging plan based on the evaluation of the first, second and third objective functions, wherein the charging plan includes.
-The first transmission parameter set among the first plurality of transmission parameter sets and
The first duty cycle associated with the first transmission parameter set and
-The second transmission parameter set of the second plurality of transmission parameter sets and
A step and a step comprising a second duty cycle associated with said second transmission parameter set.
In a transmitter including a plurality of transmitting elements, including a step of wirelessly transmitting power to the first and second receivers based on the charging plan .
A method characterized in that a transmission parameter space associated with the plurality of transmission parameter sets includes at least one of a phase parameter and an amplitude parameter of each of the transmission elements of the plurality of transmission elements. .. In the method of claim 13,
Evaluating the first and second objective functions based on their respective transmission parameter sets
A step of transmitting power based on each transmission parameter set in the transmitter through each first time interval.
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the first receiver during each first time interval.
A step of measuring each first power received by the first receiver during each first time interval, and
A step of evaluating the first objective function based on each first power , and
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the second receiver during each first time interval.
A step of measuring each second power received by the second receiver during each first time interval, and
A method comprising the step of evaluating the second objective function based on each second power . In the method of claim 14,
-The first objective function is proportional to the first electric power ,
A method characterized in that the second objective function is proportional to the second electric power . In the method of claim 13,
The second receiver group further includes the first receiver.
A method characterized in that the second plurality of transmission parameter sets are further determined based on the first objective function. In the method of claim 16,
The first plurality of transmission parameter sets define a Pareto non-dominant set of the first and second objective functions.
A method characterized in that the second plurality of transmission parameter sets define a Pareto non-dominant set of the first and third objective functions. In the method of claim 13,
The second receiver group further includes a fourth receiver.
A method characterized in that the second plurality of transmission parameter sets are further determined based on a fourth objective function associated with the fourth receiver. In the method of claim 13,
Determining the first receiver group is
A step of executing a first best-first search based on the first objective function on a transmission parameter space associated with the first and second plurality of transmission parameter sets.
A step of determining a first optimized parameter value set based on the first best-first search, and
A step of executing a second best-first search based on the second objective function on the transmission parameter space.
A step of determining a second optimized parameter value set based on the second best-first search, and
A step of executing a third optimal search based on the third objective function on the transmission parameter space, and
A step of determining a third optimized parameter value set based on the third best-first search, and
A step of finding a first distance between the first optimized parameter value set and the third optimized parameter value set in the transmission parameter space.
A step of finding a second distance between the second optimized parameter value set and the third optimized parameter value set in the transmission parameter space.
A step of finding a third distance between the first optimized parameter value set and the second optimized parameter value set in the transmission parameter space.
-A step of determining that the third distance is the shortest distance among the first, second, and third distances.
A method comprising: a step of selecting the first and second receivers in the first receiver group based on the determination that the third distance is the shortest distance. In the method of claim 13,
Determining the first receiver group is
A step of performing a best-first search based on the first objective function on the transmission parameter space associated with the first and second plurality of transmission parameter sets.
-Steps to determine an optimized parameter value set based on the best-first search, and
A step of evaluating the second and third objective functions based on the optimized parameter value set, wherein the second objective function value exceeds the third objective function value.
The first receiver group includes a step of selecting the first and second receivers based on the fact that the second objective function value exceeds the third objective function value. how to. It ’s a wireless power transfer system.
It has a transmitter that contains multiple transmitter elements, and this transmitter is
-Steps to determine the receiver group including the first receiver and the second receiver, and
-In response to the decision of the receiver group
The first objective function associated with the first receiver and
A step of determining a plurality of transmission parameter sets based on a second objective function associated with the second receiver, wherein determining the plurality of transmission parameter sets is the plurality of transmissions. For each transmission parameter set in the parameter set, a step comprising evaluating the first and second objective functions based on the respective transmission parameter set.
A step of determining a charging plan based on the evaluation of the first and second objective functions, wherein the charging plan is:
-The first transmission parameter set among the plurality of transmission parameter sets and
The first duty cycle associated with the first transmission parameter set and
・ The second transmission parameter set and
A step and a step comprising a second duty cycle associated with said second transmission parameter set.
It is configured to control the plurality of transmission elements and execute a step of transmitting based on the charging plan.
Evaluating the first and second objective functions based on their respective transmission parameter sets
A step of controlling the plurality of transmission elements to transmit electric power in the transmitter based on each transmission parameter set through each time interval.
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the first receiver during each time interval.
A step of measuring each first power received by the first receiver during each time interval, and
A step of evaluating the first objective function based on each first power , and
A step of receiving the power transmitted by the transmitter in the second receiver during each time interval.
A step of measuring each second power received by the second receiver during each time interval, and
A wireless power transfer system comprising the step of evaluating the second objective function based on each second power .

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